From Episcopal Relief and Development: Responding to the needs created by Hurricane Helene

OCT. 2 — Following Hurricane Helene, the deadly Category 4 storm that caused widespread damage throughout the southern US, Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church leaders within the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida to support survivors.

In partnership with the Diocese of Florida, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing gift cards to impacted families in the Apalachee and Santa Fe regions of Florida.

With the Diocese of Southwest Florida, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing gift cards and household items to families in places including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.

Farther north, in partnership with the Diocese of Georgia, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing gift cards and distributing water, food, clothing and fuel to families in need in the cities of Valdosta, Vidalia, Louisville, Augusta and the surrounding areas.

These partnerships will help during the critical first week after impact, before FEMA support becomes available and longer term needs for debris removal, temporary housing, mental health support and other services can begin.

“Our emergency responses are great examples of doing what we can to help people where they currently are,” said Katie Mears, Senior Technical Specialist, Disaster Risk and Resilience, Episcopal Relief & Development. “As the stages of this disaster progress, people’s needs will change and we are prepared to accommodate them.”

Episcopal Relief & Development also continues to support church and community leaders throughout North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina as they assess the impact and determine immediate needs.

Hurricane Helene created life-threatening conditions throughout the South, killing at least 160 people. Homes and other structures were destroyed by mudslides, tornadoes and flooding. In some areas, there are significant communication issues due to a lack of cell service and power outages. Downed trees and other road blockages are preventing supplies from reaching the communities in need. Additional health concerns include a scarcity of potable water.

Please pray for the people affected by Hurricane Helene and consider donating to the Hurricane Relief Fund to support their recovery.

Follow the latest developments from Episcopal Relief & Development here.